Delia D., a production by Full House Theater Company featuring the music of Jonathan Manalo, dazzled audiences nightly at the Newport Performing Arts Theater from April 25 to June 8, with additional performances on June 14 to 15 and a special encore show on June 28.
Directed by Dexter M. Santos, Delia D. is his third original Filipino musical. Following his famous work, “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” his latest production employs the pattern of utilizing already well-loved songs to capture the hearts and empathy of the Filipino audience. Together with Dolly Dulu, the playwright, and Vince Lim as the musical director and arranger, they were able to create a musical that ticked off all the great factors that a play needs—an easy-to-follow storyline that reaches the heart, and songs that would play in your head for days.
Just Delia or Delia D.
The story of Delia is portrayed by Phi Palmos, who plays a hard-working drag queen who dreams of becoming a singer to make her mom proud. Act 1 showcases the rise of Delia, being a good sport by helping her newly found best friend Kiki (Shaira Opsimar), find the confidence that she needs to conquer the stage of Idols of the Galaxy—-a contest similar to The Voice of the Philippines.
All types of relationships were formed in the said competition, creating interesting dynamics for Delia and the other contestants. Reinvention was the theme for the first act, changing her drag name from Just Delia to Delia D., evoking excitement as she traverses the adventure she faces on stage whilst achieving her one and only goal of being a singer.
Contrary to the first half of the show, Act 2 tackles more in-depth emotions as we follow the downfall and the truth behind Delia D., both as a persona and a person. Her down-to-earth attitude was soon replaced with clouded judgment, tainting close-knit relationships between family and friends. Blinded by the brightness of fame as an entertainer, she failed to keep in sight the reason why she started singing in the first place.
The events shown in the latter part of the show will make you not root for the main character, and it portrays the sad realities of life. There will be instances wherein passion and perseverance will not be enough to surpass natural talent, and Delia D. captures the human in us to be in denial of accepting such a fact. Maybe reinventing wasn’t the answer to achieve one’s goals—but redirection.
Setting the stage for the diva
The stage design and overall visual aspects of Delia D. were something that made the musical even better than it already was. Cohesive color palettes of purples and blues captured and enhanced Delia’s personality and branding as they contrast with her bright pink hair. All of this was done by Scenic Designer, Ms. Lawyn Cruz, the chairperson of Production Design in Benilde.
In an interview with The Benildean, she shared the inspiration behind the holistic aesthetic of the set, “[The] main idea was inspired by sound stages and recording studios—places where things are ‘fabricated’ in the entertainment industry…I also liked the train-like design from the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show with Mary J. Blige.”
Ms. Cruz shared that the stage of Delia D. was challenging in terms of its scale and number of scene changes, as it is a fast-paced musical. To help with issues, she was able to bring in some of her students to help with manpower and the production with the guidance of other Benildean alumni that contributed in various production roles, “[...] Of course, it's our goal as faculty to immerse the students in the industry, and give opportunities for future employment.”
In line with Pride Month, the message of encouragement was not only verbally present in the musical, but it was also visually seen with a straightforward message that Ms. Cruz had in mind when creating the stage, “They are welcome. They are enough. They deserve the spotlight.”
With the hands of green
Behind the beauty and dazzle of Delia D., Benildean students participated in the production of the musical. Among them was Juliana Co, an ID123 Production Design (AB-PRD) student who shared how deeply personal the experience was for her.
“Delia D. is actually my first big production, so I wanted it to be something really close to my heart. I’ve always loved drag. It’s an art form that speaks to me deeply,” she shared.
As a member of the props team, Co described her roles as “very hands-on,” explaining, ”I helped source materials, build and prepare props, and make adjustments based on the director’s notes. I also handled small repairs and last-minute touch-ups during rehearsals and performances.”
For Gela Gamil, another ID123 AB-PRD student, participating in the production allowed her to learn lessons outside of the classroom. “I was also able to pick up practical techniques and industry insights from my mentors, things you just can’t learn in a classroom.” She also shared that the hands-on involvement deepened her understanding of the craft. “It was also incredibly special to work with our professors in a more professional setting. Getting a glimpse of backstage life was honestly mesmerizing.”
Meanwhile, for Lanz Vivar, another ID123 AB-PRD student who also worked behind the scenes as a prop-maker, shared that his inspiration to join came from watching Newport’s previous musical Buruguduystunstugudunstuy. “I was already a prod-student back then, and I immediately thought I wanted to be a part of a production that large.”
When asked about his favorite moments, Vivar remembered the camaraderie that developed during the process. “My favorite moments would definitely be working hand in hand with my friends, our seniors, and our professors. Experiencing multiple challenges with them strengthened our bond, and I wouldn’t replace it for anything.”
Crowning the chaos
Delia D. sashays onto the stage with a dream to win Idol of the Galaxy and prove her star power to the world. But as the sequins settle, the story reveals a deeper truth: worth isn’t defined by the size of ur crown, or the number of your followers. It is built from values, dreams, and the courage to be yourself.
The musical serves as a love letter to every queer soul who’s ever felt like an outsider—an intimate embrace that honors the pain of rejection, and the fierce beauty of survival. It speaks to the quiet moments of doubts and the roaring triumph of self-acceptance, acting as a reminder that being different is not a burden but a revolutionary act of love.
Through its heartfelt narrative, Delia D. lights a path from isolation to belonging, inviting every lost and searching heart to find strength in their truth and celebrate the vibrant, unbreakable spirit that makes them who they are. Her story is a reminder that it is okay to be a work in progress—that growth isn’t neat or linear, but messy, imperfect, and beautifully human.
With the words of Co, “Chasing your dreams is important, but staying true to yourself and lifting others up along the way is even more meaningful,” the musical teaches that authenticity is the fiercest form of power—that when you embrace your true self, you become unstoppable.
In a celebration of love, resilience, and the vibrant spectrum of identities, Delia D. shines a light on the beauty of community and the importance of lifting each other. As the audience leaves the theater, Delia’s message is carried within their hearts: that worth is not measured by external factors, but by the love cultivated, the dreams chased, and the authenticity an individual embodies.
So sashay forward, with pride in who you are, and be ready to share your stories with the world.
